Hundreds turn out for new Halifax ferry named for Christopher Stannix

Hundreds of people turned out Wednesday for the unveiling of Halifax’s new ferry, the Christopher Stannix.

Front and centre at the mid-morning waterfront ceremony were family members and the fiancee of the late master corporal for whom the ferry is named.

“Christopher had a tendency to run a little behind at times,” his father, Ken Stannix, told the crowd.

“It’s nice to know that he’ll be running a tight schedule from now on.”

Stannix was 24 when he was killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb in 2007.

He was a graduate of Auburn Drive High School in Cole Harbour and attended Saint Mary’s University. He enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces in 2001.

“What an honour. It’s overwhelming,” his father said following the ceremony.

“I think it’s important for people to remember the sacrifices that the soldiers have made and their commitment.

“I think that sacrifice is what Chris would want to be remembered for.”

Stannix’s name was chosen during a public vote. Of the five nominated, Stannix received 8,000 votes, Mayor Mike Savage told the crowd.

Stannix’s parents now live in New Brunswick. His mother, Kate, said they found out about the contest through social media and they voted too.

With an additional ferry plying the harbour as of next Tuesday, Metro Transit will increase its Halifax-Woodside service to run Monday to Friday between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., with service every 15 minutes during rush hours.

Stannix was a member of the Princess Louise’s Fusiliers. Several members of his regiment were in the crowd Wednesday.

Lt.-Col. John MacDonald remembered Stannix for his “infectious optimism, quick wit and smile.”

Stannix played hockey with his regiment colleagues and showed up every year with a new stick and the same attitude, MacDonald said.

“This was the stick and this was the year … that would win it all.”

A band from Auburn Drive High School performed on the waterfront throughout the morning.

And Halifax poet laureate El Jones read a comedic piece lauding the harbour ferry and urging people to embrace public transit for the sake of the environment.